K. Todd Storch

12 Weeks to Becoming a Triathlete

The Internet is an amazing source for info for training, advice and gear.  Here's a plan from Triathlete magazine to help you get started towards your first Sprint Distance triathlon.

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Triathlon: How to Get Started (Planning and Training)

***Read the How to Get Started Intro First!***

There are complete books and websites and careers that discuss this topic.  The bottom line is that you need to get on a plan.  Join a triathlon club and get plugged in.  Dallas Athletes has a great plan for beginners called Tri 101.

I build my training plan based on experience of what I did last year and through websites.  Some good training plans can be found at BeginnerTriathlete.  I recommend you hook up with a Masters swim program at a local YMCA or your triathlon club.  Do you runs (track work, tempo and long runs) with the club.  Do your rides with the club (I have the most fun when headed out on 2-3 hour rides with 30+ riders).

I have a great triathlon log that I found from the Capital Area Triathlon Club.  Its an Excel spreadsheet that tracks every exercise, every race, mileage on my shoes, wheels, etc.

I've found the best way to train is to have a buddy or group of friends to hold you accountable.  I have a group that set up a YahooGroup so we can email during the week of what our plans are and to stay in touch.

I train 4 to 5 days a week.  Typically, swims are on Monday and Friday.  Runs are on Tuesday, Thursday.  Bike is Wednesday nights (during the summer) and Saturday morning.

Good luck.  Get plenty of sleep.  Get help from those that know more than you.  Ask a ton of questions, set goals and most of all, have fun!

Triathlon: How to Get Started (Basic Gear You Will Need)

***Read the How to Get Started Intro First!***

There are books completely dedicated to gear, so this will be a very brief overview.  Like most things in life, you don't need much to get started, but there are so many extras you can get.

Here are some basics for the 3 sports.  I'll link to items I use where appropriate:
Swim

• goggles
• tri shorts
• tri jersey (this isn't a necessity, but I wished I had one when I got started)

Bike

• bike (what a concept!)
• cycle shoes
• pedals (most new bikes don't come with pedals)
• helmet

Run

• shoes

This is a very basic needs list.  I use a ton more products, some training specific, some race specific, but the list could be endless.  I'll list a few items to give you an idea of the extras you'll need (I mean want, I mean need...well, want = need at some point...).  Warning:  not a complete list!

• heart rate monitor
• socks
• saddle
• tri bars
• basic nutrition:  Hammer Gel, Clif Bars, Accelerade, Endurox
• sunglasses
• race belt
• cycle computer
• bike pump
• tire levers
• CO2 inflator
• swim training gear
• yankz!

Triathlon: How to Get Started (What You are Getting Into)

***Read the How to Get Started Intro First***

Swim.  Bike.  Run.  Pretty simple, huh?

Be careful.  Everything about triathlon is addictive.  The training.  The gear.  The materials to read.  The stores.  All of it.

It takes discipline.  You have to be a little bit of a "freak" (or a lot).  Most everyone I've met through this sport is extremely goal oriented.  You generally always feel like you don't know enough, could always improve and need some type of new gear to either help you improve or add to your collection of "must haves".

It becomes a part of you like no other "exercise routine".  Its a passion.  I liken the sport mostly to golf.

You can never have the perfect race (or round, like in golf).  There is always someone better than you that you can learn from.  Technique is extremely important to all aspects of the three sports (I need the most help with my swim!).

You can build amazing relationships with your training partners and sometimes you will feel just training for a triathlon is as fulfilling as actually competing in a triathlon race.  I am fortunate to belong to a great club called Dallas Athletes.  I've built some great friendships through training and I can't imagine not having these friends push me, hold me accountable and share in the love of the sport.

If you have a Triathlon club in your area, make sure you check them out and get involved.  It really is "the more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it".

Now that you have a small idea of what's in store for you, let's get into the gear you'll need.

Triathlon: How to Get Started (Intro)

I have a few buddies that are getting started in Triathlon (you CAN do it Matt and Ray!) that I'm helping share the limited knowledge I have gained after one season.  I am not an expert.  I am not a pro.  I am an age grouper that absolutely loves this sport!

It will take a number of posts to get out enough information to really be useful, so don't read this thinking it will be an "end-all-be-all" listing of what to do.  I want it to be a starting point for equipment, processes and thoughts on the sport.

I began this journey after finishing the 2003 White Rock Marathon.  I was fired up about achieving a life long goal of mine and after some great conversation with my friend Matt Sunshine, we decided 'why not train for a triathlon?' and off we went.

I think the best way to structure this will be posting on the following areas:

• What you are getting into
• Basic gear you'll need
• Planning and training

I'm sure I'll change this as a go along, but it sounds like a good place to start.

Click here for a recap of my 2004 season.